Today we turned our colourful parachute into a canopy, creating a special space for our tamariki to come together and enjoy music, movement and lots of laughter!
As the music began playing, the children gathered underneath the parachute to see what was happening.
They looked up at the bright colours moving above their heads, listened to the songs and began moving their bodies along to the beat. Some danced, some clapped and others simply sat back and watched everything happening around them. Each child joined in in their own way and at their own pace. The canopy quickly became a space filled with smiles, excited sounds and plenty of laughter.
Our tamariki watched one another closely, copied their friends’ movements and shared lots of lovely little interactions. There were cuddles, exchanged smiles and moments where the children looked towards one another as if to say, “Are you seeing this too?” It was lovely to watch them share their excitement and enjoy being part of the group together. Music is such a fun and natural way for our pēpi and toddlers to develop their communication skills. Before children can tell us what they are thinking with words, they communicate with us in so many other ways. A smile can tell us they are enjoying themselves, reaching towards the parachute can show curiosity, and excited squeals or bouncing bodies can tell us they want the fun to continue!
Singing familiar songs also helps tamariki begin to recognise sounds, rhythms and repeated words. As they listen, they start to anticipate what might happen next. They may respond with a movement, a sound, a gesture or even begin attempting parts of the song themselves. All of these responses are important early steps in learning to communicate. Being underneath the canopy together also encouraged our tamariki to practise their developing social skills. They shared the space, noticed what their friends were doing and experienced the fun of being part of something together. Even our quieter observers were included, watching carefully and joining in when they felt comfortable and ready.
For our youngest tamariki, communication and friendship often begin through these small but meaningful moments, making eye contact, laughing together, copying a movement or sitting closely beside someone. These are the beginnings of connection, belonging and learning how to be with others. It was such a simple experience, but it created so much happiness. The expressions on the children’s faces say it all!
We loved seeing the friendships, communication and pure joy growing underneath our colourful canopy today.
Communication | Mana Reo: “Children experience an environment where they develop non-verbal communication skills for a range of purposes.” He taonga te reo. Language is a treasure.